Executive Director - Signal-Return

Continuserve; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Signal-Return, a Detroit nonprofit, seeks an Executive Director to lead the organization, preserve traditional letterpress printing, and advance its mission with innovative programming and community partnerships.

The role blends strategic leadership, fundraising, financial stewardship, program oversight, and community engagement, with a hybrid work model. The ideal candidate has nonprofit leadership experience, strong fundraising and grant-writing skills, and a passion for the arts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or related job experience.
• Proven nonprofit leadership experience, preferably in arts or cultural sector.
• Strong fundraising and grant-writing skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Knowledge of letterpress printing or arts is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in collaboration with the Board.
• Identify and secure funding sources, grants, donations, and sponsorships.
• Oversee education programs, workshops, and exhibitions.
• Manage budgeting, financial reporting, staff, and payroll.
• Engage with the local arts community and build partnerships.
• Maintain regular Board communications and implement strategic initiatives.

Skills

Fundraising

Grant writing

Communication

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Are you ready to lead the creative resurgence in traditional printing arts? Our client, Signal-Return, a Detroit nonprofit, seeks an experienced leader for its Executive Director role to advance its mission, strengthen long-term sustainability, and make a lasting impact on Detroit's arts community.

As the organization’s leader, you will have a unique opportunity to preserve and advance the teaching of traditional letterpress printing while supporting innovative programming and community partnerships. This hybrid role combines strategic leadership, fundraising, financial stewardship, revenue generation, program oversight, and community engagement.

If you are a dynamic, collaborative leader with strong fundraising and revenue-building experience, a passion for supporting the arts, and a commitment to mission-driven work, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Drive the organization's mission, ensuring it is effectively communicated and embraced by staff, volunteers, and the community.

Fundraising and Development

• Identify and secure funding sources, including grants, donations, and sponsorships.
• Build a corporate giving program with benefits to drive sponsorship support.
• Create stewardship events to build relationships with donors, members, and community partners.
• Actively seek out new grant opportunities, write and submit applications/proposals, and interim/final reports.
• Manage donor database and acknowledgment process.

Program Development

• Oversee the development and implementation of educational programs, workshops, and exhibitions.
• Foster a supportive environment for artists and printmakers to create and collaborate.
• Create collaborative opportunities for new partnerships outside the organization.
• Schedule and manage special visits (schools, business groups).
• Assist with workshops and special projects as needed.

Operations and Administration

• Manage day-to-day operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, staff management, and payroll.
• Ensure the organization operates efficiently and in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with the local arts community and cultural organizations.
• Develop outreach strategies to increase Signal-Return's visibility and impact.

Board Relations

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to provide regular updates, seek input, and implement strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or related job experience.
• Proven experience in nonprofit leadership, preferably in the arts or cultural sector.
• Strong fundraising and grant‑writing skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Knowledge of letterpress printing or a background in the arts is a plus.

Compensation

The compensation range for this position is $70,000 - $100,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications.

About Signal-Return

Signal-Return is a Detroit nonprofit dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional letterpress printing and building a community center for art, craft, design, and collaboration. Founded in 2011, Signal-Return is leading the Detroit revival of letterpress printing. Signal-Return's innovative and wide-ranging programming—its hands‑on art workshops, Open Studio program, visiting artists, educational partnerships with universities, elementary and high schools, and collaborations with other arts and culture organizations—supports an ever‑growing and vital Detroit arts community.

Signal Return is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. They are committed to providing an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all candidates and team members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, height, weight, marital status, gender identity expression, disability status, protected veteran, or other legally protected status by state or federal law.